Eagles' Cooper Will Have Counseling, Sensitivity Training

PHILADELPHIA — — Riley Cooper has been excused from all Philadelphia Eagles team activities indefinitely while he undergoes counseling and sensitivity training, the team announced Friday morning. .

Cooper ignited a firestorm when he used a racial slur at a Kenny Chesney concert in June and video of his outburst surfaced on Wednesday, leading to a fine and various reactions from teammates.

"This is all new territory and we are going to evaluate this timetable every step of the way," the team said in a statement. "He will meet with professionals provided by the Eagles during this period of time to better help him understand how his words have hurt so many, including his teammates."

The team also issued a statement from Cooper.

"The last few days have been incredibly difficult for me," he said. "My actions were inexcusable. The more I think about what I did, the more disgusted I get. I keep trying to figure out how I could have said something so repulsive, and what I can do to make things better.

"Right now, I think it's important for me to take some time to reflect on this situation. The organization and my teammates have been extremely supportive, but I also realize that there are people who will have a tough time forgiving me for what I've done. The best thing for me, and for the team, is to step away for a period of time.

"During this time I'm going to be speaking with a variety of professionals to help me better understand how I could have done something that was so offensive, and how I can start the healing process for everyone. As long as it takes, and whatever I have to do, I'm going to try to make this right."